The world’s largest aircraft, Airlander 10 - dubbed the 'giant bum' due to its appearance - has taken off on its first flight since crashing last summer.

The part-plane, part-airship, which is the length of a football pitch, took to the skies above Cardington Airfield in Bedfordshire shortly before 5.30pm today.

Manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) said the regulatory requirements of the flight mean the £25million aircraft will travel within 15 miles of its base and at an altitude of no more than 4,000 feet.

The world’s largest aircraft, Airlander 10 - dubbed the 'giant bum' due to its appearance - took off today (pictured) on its first flight since crashing last summer

The part-plane, part-airship, which is the length of a football pitch, took to the skies above Cardington Airfield in Bedfordshire shortly before 5.30pm

Manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles said the regulatory requirements of the flight mean the £25m aircraft will travel within 15 miles of its base and at an altitude of no more than 4,000ft

Around 20 to 30 flights are expected to be carried out this summer as the aircraft conducts a high-profile tour to boost public awareness. Above, the crew prepare Airlander for take-off today

No one was injured when the aircraft - which is about 50ft (15 metres) longer than the biggest passenger jets - nose-dived and crashed last August, but the cockpit was severely damaged.

A pair of airbags have since been fitted to allow it to land at a greater range of angles.